tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77726632958929669252017-09-16T15:34:52.114-07:00THE WRITINGS OF STEPHEN JOHN MORANStephen Moranhttps://plus.google.com/103914135946512161373noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7772663295892966925.post-8921506319438388182015-06-03T08:50:00.001-07:002015-06-03T08:50:30.350-07:00Duchess of the Shire: There is so much that I have to tell and I haven't...<a href="http://duchessoftheshire.blogspot.com/2015/06/there-is-so-much-that-i-have-to-tell.html?spref=bl">Duchess of the Shire: There is so much that I have to tell and I haven't...</a>: There is so much that I have to tell and I haven't a clue where to start. The last time I wrote I was enjoying my life in abundance wit...Stephen Moranhttps://plus.google.com/103914135946512161373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7772663295892966925.post-51561902403938274382015-03-01T08:38:00.001-08:002015-03-01T08:38:49.820-08:00Part 32 ~ The Last Will and Testament of Bernadette Cynthia Healy #WWII #History #Romance #Amwriting D.S. - Duchess of the Shire @DuchessShire<a href="http://twimagination.com/gtxx#.VPNAlen-eAY.blogger">Part 32 ~ The Last Will and Testament of Bernadette Cynthia Healy #WWII #History #Romance #Amwriting D.S. - Duchess of the Shire @DuchessShire</a>Stephen Moranhttps://plus.google.com/103914135946512161373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7772663295892966925.post-89500484990722531422015-02-02T10:32:00.001-08:002015-02-02T10:32:34.408-08:00The Novelista: Blog Series Announcement: The Path to Publishing<a href="http://brianawrites.blogspot.com/2015/02/blog-series-announcement-path-to.html?spref=bl">The Novelista: Blog Series Announcement: The Path to Publishing</a>: Photo Credit: PictureblogUK on Flickr In interviews, most writers talk about their creative process, rather than discussing in detail t...Stephen Moranhttps://plus.google.com/103914135946512161373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7772663295892966925.post-42070888023010641852014-12-03T19:36:00.001-08:002014-12-03T19:36:36.683-08:00Briana Morgan: Chapter 1: Secrets<a href="http://brianawrites.blogspot.com/2014/12/chapter-1-secrets.html?spref=bl">Briana Morgan: Chapter 1: Secrets</a>: Two weeks after my birthday, my brother is murdered. The people come and take his body away in a black bag. When they zip it up and ...Stephen Moranhttps://plus.google.com/103914135946512161373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7772663295892966925.post-34032655020674898682014-12-02T18:46:00.001-08:002014-12-02T18:46:06.172-08:00Briana Morgan: How Not to Sell Your Book<a href="http://brianawrites.blogspot.com/2014/12/how-not-to-sell-your-book.html?spref=bl">Briana Morgan: How Not to Sell Your Book</a>: More often than not, it happens like this: I'm puttering around Twitter, following new people and minding my own business, when I get...Stephen Moranhttps://plus.google.com/103914135946512161373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7772663295892966925.post-55089756270140298142014-11-28T10:09:00.001-08:002014-11-28T10:09:26.437-08:00Briana Morgan: Podcasts that Inspire Me<a href="http://brianawrites.blogspot.com/2014/11/podcasts-that-inspire-me.html?spref=bl">Briana Morgan: Podcasts that Inspire Me</a>: I listen to a lot of podcasts. I travel a lot, and sometimes music just doesn't cut it. I want something more immersive. That&amp;#39...Stephen Moranhttps://plus.google.com/103914135946512161373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7772663295892966925.post-5617759754429395112014-05-08T07:11:00.001-07:002014-05-08T07:11:41.426-07:00marielle van broekhoven : watercolour portrait on canvas<a href="http://mariellevanbroekhoven.blogspot.com/2014/05/watercolour-portrait-on-canvas.html?spref=bl">marielle van broekhoven : watercolour portrait on canvas</a>: watercolour portrait on canvas! ( 40/40 inch) youtubeStephen Moranhttps://plus.google.com/103914135946512161373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7772663295892966925.post-59097277468145710922014-04-15T21:51:00.001-07:002014-04-15T21:51:14.051-07:00The 13 People You’ll Meet Working In A Restaurant | Thought Catalog<a href="http://thoughtcatalog.com/chelsea-fagan/2014/04/the-13-people-youll-meet-working-in-a-restaurant/#K2pKiehubQT88h0m.15">The 13 People You’ll Meet Working In A Restaurant | Thought Catalog</a>Stephen Moranhttps://plus.google.com/103914135946512161373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7772663295892966925.post-45414725134724564682013-11-13T11:17:00.001-08:002013-11-13T11:17:39.707-08:00Surviving #NaNoWriMo<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Week two of the month long sprint that is #NanoWriMo brings new challenges. The biggest obstacles for most writers-- hitting the wall of inspiration, wondering 'where the hell AM I with this story?' and the nagging feeling you won't make it to 50k words by months end once you start falling behind the pace.&nbsp;</span><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am behind on 'words' and have felt the creative parts of my mind nudging against the wall of writers block. The pressure to produce something, anything grows as I sit starting at the screen, waiting for the muse to arrive.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To keep focus, I'm following the excellent Nano twitter handle NanoWordSprints, which gives motivation, ideas for writing sprints, as well as providing a community of writers there to cheer you on towards the finish line.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The key is to push forward and not look in the rear view mirror. Revision comes later, after you have bleed the first draft onto the page. Run with the ball, don't walk. Pound the keys as if you know where the story is going, for your brain will find the thread of thought and take up the narrative.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At this point, I'm not sure about much in my WIP-- LITTLE BLACK BOOK. It's about sex and violence and all else that happens in Sin City. I don't have time and will not stop to 'figure it out', for that is the fastest way to let the writer's block goblins steal your momentum.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, writers--- it's clear. First drafts are for writing- not thinking, revising, editing, big picture clarifications.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pound the keyboard as if it's your last day on earth.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With that, I return to the chase.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From Las Vegas, where everything that happens ends up in my book.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stephen Moran&nbsp;</span></div></div>Stephen Moranhttps://plus.google.com/103914135946512161373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7772663295892966925.post-63497370023178713442013-11-07T08:40:00.000-08:002013-11-07T08:40:03.154-08:00NaNoWriMo UPDATE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was close to the edge of giving up. I wrote a grand total of 165 unusable words for the first five days of the 30 day sprint and basically had mentally checked out and was ready to throw in the towel. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then, yesterday...6k words.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That isn't a misprint.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wrote 6k words of LITTLE BLACK BOOK in one day.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now I'm <i>almost</i>&nbsp;back on pace to finish this by the deadline. I'll need another big day.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The story so far is a running stream of sex and violence. I'll post a few chapters if people want to read this early draft material. I don't know if I still need to warn readers of this blog about the type of content--- but this book is basically--- sex, kills, more sex, more death.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope to write at least 2k words today. It's early and i have my coffee.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Follow along on twitter&nbsp;@NaNoWriMo&nbsp;@smoran26 as I take part in writing prompt sprints and no revision writing as I attempt to write 50k words in 30 days.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can I do it?</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We shall soon see.&nbsp;</span></div>Stephen Moranhttps://plus.google.com/103914135946512161373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7772663295892966925.post-39287405588414389802013-11-05T11:31:00.003-08:002013-11-05T11:31:52.142-08:00The story so far<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some people have expressed interest in joining the twitter role play. I know I have jumped around a lot in the story, so I shall give you a summary of the journey so far.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ella Thomas, age 20, leaves her hometown of Uxbridge, Massachusetts on a journey of discovery in search of a man from her childhood that she believes to be in Las Vegas. She is followed by two men, Mr. Brown and the FBI agent, Marcus.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ella is a writer working on her first novel throughout the journey and relays her adventures as stories. One chapter details a public mass shooting, another tells of an affair with a bartender in Dallas.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The stories of sexual encounters and kill scenes are alternated with flashbacks of her childhood abuse at the hands of her father. As she grows as a killer, she continues to tell the story of Ray Holden (a writing mentor and special friend from childhood) and the part he played in the death of her father.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ella arrives in Vegas to be held captive by Mr. Brown, who prevents her from completing her quest of finding Ray. Their interactions complete the novel, with Ella 'dealing' with Mr. Brown in her own special way.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next book finds Ella in Vegas, free and young and rich and in search of men to put to the knife.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask or comment.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Come one and all to twitter and enjoy the role play.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">List of needed characters:&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">rich tourists,&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">degenerate local gamblers,</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">drug dealers,</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a woman 'friend'</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">cops, fbi men (Marcus)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">strippers,&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">nightclub players</span></div>Stephen Moranhttps://plus.google.com/103914135946512161373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7772663295892966925.post-76292565066981190182013-11-04T12:29:00.001-08:002013-11-04T13:22:02.257-08:00Like to Roleplay?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you like to RP and would like to help with the next Ella book, contact me by comment or email or Facebook or however you want.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm looking for the following players:&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rich tourist gamblers.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Degenerate locals.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Drug dealers.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Strippers.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Detectives/cops/FBI</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are interested, let me know.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*edit* someone expresses interest in playing Mr. Brown. I will consider a Ghost of Mr. Brown character...played like Dexter's father.&nbsp;</span></div>Stephen Moranhttps://plus.google.com/103914135946512161373noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7772663295892966925.post-71834294004017270152013-11-03T10:04:00.003-08:002013-11-03T10:04:30.269-08:00NEW WEBSITE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'd like to take a moment to thank everyone that took time from their busy lives to read my blog over the last couple of years. All those that have offered comments, critiques and suggestions--- THANK YOU!</span><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As publication of ELLA ramps up--- I have started an official website for my fiction writing to be found here&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://stephenjohnmoran.com/">StephenJohnMoran.com</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will continue to post non-writing articles on this blog-- namely about poker, politics, finance and other topics that do not fit on the fiction blog.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you all continue to enjoy the content.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoy the new site and have a great day!&nbsp;</span></div></div>Stephen Moranhttps://plus.google.com/103914135946512161373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7772663295892966925.post-9452076136208236282013-11-02T13:06:00.000-07:002013-11-02T13:06:04.799-07:00Novel update and new writing for NanoWriMo<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Only 300 words so far, but I'm making progress on the story even if that hasn't translated into typed copy at this point.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The title is a sticking point for me and it's hard to move forward without having a 'working' title for a book. So, without further delay, I'll give you the different choices and you tell me what you think.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) A killer in Vegas</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) Little Black Book (of death and sex)&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) Death in Vegas</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At present, here is a summary of the story I have so far--- perhaps that will help make a title choice.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The narrative follows the events of ELLA chronologically and we see Ella in Vegas. The book will be a series of 'chapters' connected by common themes of gruesome murder and sex. The first book told of the journey to 'becoming' a serial killer and this book will jump into the action.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The book centers around Ella keeping a record of her kills/conquests in a little black book. She describes for posterity (and in some ways the FBI) the deaths as they occur, in story fashion. The reader will get a front row seat as Ella leaves a bloody trail of bodies in Las Vegas.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is all I have for now. Let me know the title you prefer and any comments on the story so far.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you for reading and following the blog. I will have news about a new website coming soon!!!</span></div>Stephen Moranhttps://plus.google.com/103914135946512161373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7772663295892966925.post-80450412967213355542013-11-01T12:19:00.002-07:002013-11-01T12:28:18.143-07:00NaNoWriMo<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today is November 1st, the beginning of National Novel Writing Month, where hundreds of thousands of novelists try to complete a 50k word novel in 30 days.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is a link to the site for any of those interested in more details.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><a href="http://nanowrimo.org/dashboard"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>http://nanowrimo.org/</b></span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Without any planning, I will jump into the fray and attempt to complete the challenge!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That said, I need ideas to get going. To complete the challenge, a writer needs to write 1667 words a day on average. Time to do this!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have two ideas I can run with at this moment---</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) The adventures of Rita and Karl- this idea centers around Las Vegas. It will be a casino by casino tour told by chapter, with each chapter representing a complete episode.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) an Ella novel filled with sex and murder without any icky childhood drama--- just the good stuff!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vote in the comments and let me know!&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Stephen Moranhttps://plus.google.com/103914135946512161373noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7772663295892966925.post-38508131507692039882013-10-09T10:53:00.000-07:002013-10-09T10:55:27.967-07:00BOOK NEWS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To the readers,</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am making progress on edits for ELLA and the light at the end of tunnel-- a finished book-- gets closer.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Draft three is nearing completion and a final edit to smooth out rough edges will be next. I do not have a time frame for when the book might be available on Amazon, but will update when I figure it all out.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I want to take this time to thank all the readers that have followed this novel as I have posted it serial style, chapter by chapter, over the last year and a half. The feedback I have received truly has helped more than I can tell you. I owe a debt of gratitude especially to Joshua Neary, who was there to read each new installment, hot off the press.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At present the novel is getting close to 'readable' status. Any of you that have followed this serial that wish to read the collected draft and give feedback towards the final effort, feel free to contact me or comment on this post. Also, when the novel does finally hit the streets, those that have followed along will get a special thank you.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am excited and nervous about the next stage-- getting this book ready for publication. There is so much to be done, but hopefully soon I will return to this space with a date and time to share.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks again to all that have taken the time to read and comment.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From Las Vegas,</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stephen Moran&nbsp;</span></div>Stephen Moranhttps://plus.google.com/103914135946512161373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7772663295892966925.post-48263296870133506692013-10-07T12:03:00.000-07:002013-10-07T12:03:24.152-07:00REVIEW OF ULTIMATE POKER AND WSOP.COM<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WSOP.COM went live on Thursday the 19th of September, joining Ultimate Poker as the only legal, regulated poker sites in America. In this post, I'll give a brief review of both sites and a brief summary of the current state of online poker in America.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As of this writing, there are only two Legal Sites in America-- both of Nevada- Ultimate Poker, run by Station Casinos with a close alliance with UFC and WSOP.com, run by Caesars Entertainment, which owns the WSOP brand.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ultimate Poker went live April 30th and has developed a solid base of regulars that play the site. It exclusively offers Texas Holdem in both cash and tournament versions. Average daily volume of players-- 150.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WSOP.com offers Holdem, Omaha and Stud poker. Average daily traffic is 75 (<a href="http://www.pokerscout.com/">http://www.pokerscout.com/</a>) at present and climbing steadily as Caesars is now beginning to ramp up advertising for this site.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Neither site at present has enough traffic for poker players to grind out a living. As other states come online (New Jersey on November 26th), the player pool will expand and offer a better experience to all.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Both sites have positive and negative points.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ultimate Poker has superior customer service and has answered every complaint and suggestion thrown its way by players. However, their software lacks many of the usual bells and whistles poker players have come to expect such as waiting lists, the ability to take notes, among other features.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WSOP.com has far superior software, but trails UP in base numbers, as it charges higher rake by 11% and has an inferior VIP program.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All in all, these two sites are on a learning curve--- both have a presence in the 2+2 forums and interact with players on various issues to get up to speed. Both have opportunities to improve-- UP must improve its software and WSOP.com has experienced complaints with customer service.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bottom line--- legal online poker in America is in its infancy, but improving by the day.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.wsop.com/">http://www.wsop.com/</a></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ultimatepoker.com/">http://www.ultimatepoker.com/</a></div>Stephen Moranhttps://plus.google.com/103914135946512161373noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7772663295892966925.post-37906864790824127872013-05-02T14:09:00.000-07:002013-05-02T14:09:14.662-07:00Hello from Las Vegas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know it has been a long time and I apologize for my absence. Life keeps me busy and I hope all is well with readers of this blog.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am working on edits for <i>ELLA</i>, some of which I will post soon, beginning with a new chapter one, titled <i>UXBRIDGE, MA. &nbsp;</i>I will also post a chapter from a new WIP, tentatively called <i>THE CITY, </i>which I can best describe as a Utopian story. The plot centers around a simply question..."What would you do if you were in charge of your own city?" That question popped into a dream from a few weeks back and I've been making notes on it ever since. The questions that will not go away usually turn into stories/novels.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once I am finished with the next draft of <i>ELLA</i>, it will be full speed ahead towards publication. Hopefully I will be able to give more news about that situation soon.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In current events, we are seeing sweeping changes in America on various issues from gun control, marriage equality and others. I will not inject any opinions on such issues in this post. I will give you this simple message instead--- I encourage you to vote, show up at town halls, write letters to your elected representatives, protest if you think it is needed. So many complain about Washington, but are not willing to be part of the solution. Don't be an armchair quarterback--- get involved in shaping the country.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The more people that engage in Democracy, the less fringe lunatics make a stamp on our nation.&nbsp;</span></div>Stephen Moranhttps://plus.google.com/103914135946512161373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7772663295892966925.post-66964221944073982012013-04-08T13:05:00.001-07:002013-04-08T13:05:14.270-07:00WALK FOR MS-- National MS Society<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello to all from Las Vegas.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am writing to you today to share that I'm participating in a WALK MS event on SUNDAY, APRIL 14th to raise money for the NATIONAL MS SOCIETY.</span><span style="color: #2f2e2e;"><span style="line-height: 15.9375px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></span><span style="line-height: 15.9375px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Multiple Sclerosis affects over 2 million people worldwide and The NATIONAL MS SOCIETY raises money to help fight this disease. For those not familiar with the disease, I have included a link to the Main MS SOCIETY page, which is loaded with information. There is also a link available to all those that wish to donate and help me raise money for my walk.&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><span style="color: #2f2e2e;"><span style="line-height: 15.9375px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span> <span style="color: #2f2e2e;"><span style="line-height: 15.9375px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To those that can't donate at this time, there are other ways to help. Put the picture and link on your FACEBOOK or TWITTER to raise awareness to this disease and encourage others to donate through monetary donations or volunteer to help your local MS chapter with a walk in your area. Giving time and money to a good cause will yield rewards you can't measure in a bank account. Please give of your time and attention to this WALK MS!!!</span></span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/what-we-know-about-ms/what-is-ms/index.aspx#.UWMg59D9ZUo.blogger">What is Multiple Sclerosis? : National MS Society</a><br /><a href="https://secure3.convio.net/nmss/site/Donation2?idb=1299916154&amp;df_id=41849&amp;41849.donation=form1&amp;FR_ID=19758&amp;PROXY_ID=11992796&amp;PROXY_TYPE=20#.UWMf_tX2H-M.blogger">National MS Society</a>Stephen Moranhttps://plus.google.com/103914135946512161373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7772663295892966925.post-331404283435119562013-03-18T12:49:00.001-07:002013-03-18T12:49:13.677-07:00...and what now? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello to my faithful readers,</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I took a few weeks off writing after finishing the second draft of <i>ELLA. </i>I am now ready to tackle revisions for the stretch run &nbsp;towards publication and will post updates on the blog as to the progress of this and estimated release dates as that information comes available.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also am revising several of my older short stories to be placed in a collection. I do not have a working title for this short story collection. If you have read some of my stories and a name pops in your head, feel free to share in the comments section or post on my Facebook or Twitter.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyone that wishes to receive a beta version of my WIP <i>ELLA </i>feel free to contact me. I am definitely in need of a diverse set of opinions/suggestions for improvement.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will begin posting new stories shortly with new characters to meet. There are several pieces waiting to be uploaded and I'm very excited for the new direction the blog will take over the next couple of months.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have a great week!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /></div>Stephen Moranhttps://plus.google.com/103914135946512161373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7772663295892966925.post-35237669922092962052013-03-07T11:27:00.000-08:002013-03-07T11:27:14.575-08:00SANDCASTLE AND OTHER STORIES<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I will give a review of the book SANDCASTLE AND OTHER STORIES by Justin Bog. This feature has been a long time coming.&nbsp;</span><br /><br />I <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">first read this book of ten short stories almost a year ago. I fell in love with the stories and re-read the e-book version several times. Then, as now, my favorite is the title story--- SANDCASTLE. This story surprised, inspired and left me wanting to read more. Justin's style is unique and quite readable. The prose in this collection is smooth and enables the reader to get deep into the stories without having to re-read sentences/paragraphs, something that is of major importance when reading short stories.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Short stories are best when read in their entirety in one sitting. The stories in this volume are impossible to put down and I am sure you will be as enthralled by these tales as I am. These stories stayed in my mind long after I put down my kindle and compelled me to read multiple times. I truly believe this collection is the highest quality fiction.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few days ago, Justin was kind enough to send me a signed copy of the paperback version of this book. I am grateful and will cherish this copy.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Below are links to his author web site as well as links to purchase the e-book/paperback at Amazon.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you buy only one collection of short stories this year, make it this one!!!&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://justinbog.com/">http://justinbog.com/</a></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sandcastle-Other-Stories-Justin-Bog/dp/0988478412/ref=la_B0081R77IC_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1362683312&amp;sr=1-1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.amazon.com/Sandcastle-Other-Stories-Justin-Bog/dp/0988478412/ref=la_B0081R77IC_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1362683312&amp;sr=1-1</span></a></div>Stephen Moranhttps://plus.google.com/103914135946512161373noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7772663295892966925.post-90792543901061958042012-07-21T13:15:00.000-07:002012-07-21T13:15:29.383-07:00A LUCKY NIGHT<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A LUCKY NIGHT</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;It amazes me how different the café looks this evening, filled with writers gossiping in various corners as we wait for the readings to begin. Can this be the same bookstore from this afternoon? I saw less than ten people earlier and now there must be close to one hundred fighting each other for the comfy recliners while the losers of that battle are stuck with plastic folding chairs.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;I don’t take a seat as I feel too much energy pulsing through my veins, this being my first reading. Ray didn’t blink an eye when I told him I wanted to do this on my birthday, but he did narrow his eyes a bit as it occurred to him I meant to do it alone. I don’t need the pressure of him critiquing my every word, my performance, every damned movement I make.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;A small commotion a few feet away gains my attention and I see an overweight gentleman apologizing repeatedly to a walking stereotype Emo-chick with short wild blue hair and a metal spike through the bridge of her nose. I gather from a few strident comments from the short girl that the man stole her slice of plastic real estate while she wandered about the place trying to look artistic. She continues to berate him long after he yields all claims to the chair and I feel bad, his eyes catching mine as he nearly hyperventilates trying to escape her wrath. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;I tug on the man’s soiled black tee shirt, which is emblazoned with the logo of a rock and roll band I am not familiar with. Pulling him back against the railing that separates the books from the café, I put my hand on his shoulder in an attempt to calm him. I don’t know if it works, but the emo-bitch leaves him be as the moderator begins yawning on and on about the solemn duty of poets to blah, blah, blah.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;I can’t concentrate and I feel sweat on my forehead as the line of names dwindles, closing in on my doom or my first attempt to read at a poetry slam, whichever you prefer. The queue is listed on a screen of sorts behind the makeshift podium. As I begin scanning the crowd in search of a path to the stage I might take to avoid bumping and crashing into people as much as possible, the moderator reads off the next name from the list.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;“That’s me. It’s time,” the man says to nobody. I think he is trying to gather enough courage to do it, though I don’t know if he is succeeding for the moderator calls his name again before he even moves an inch. I want to rub his shoulder or pat him on the back for encouragement, but before I can contemplate what such an action might mean, he launches himself into the mass of bodies and bulls his way to the podium.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Without introduction or preamble or so much as a joke, he launches into his reading, which catches me by surprise. His voice is deep and resonant, which gives me a little tickle in my belly until I hear the words.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>“I have never known a woman.&nbsp;</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Or man for that matter.&nbsp;</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I don’t even know if I am gay or straight.&nbsp;</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>My energies are spent in a lab, finding cures to save people that matter.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Me? I am of no consequence.&nbsp;</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I am the fat kid you spit on, the nerd you ignore. &nbsp;</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>And I ask you…can you spare a hug?”</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;He bolts from the stage, with the same lack of ceremony as his entrance. There is complete silence in the room, with all remaining still until the moderator gathers his senses to read the next name. Mine. However, I have no interest in reading as the man pushes his way close to me, eyes probing mine for a reaction. I make a nod at him and quickly look away. A nod? I want to crawl into a stack of books, but he is still looking at me and I manage to stop being rude, meeting his eyes once again.&nbsp;</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;“Hi,” I say, looking up at him through my eyelashes.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;“Is that your name they are calling?”</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;“Yes,” I say, looking away once again.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;He takes in a deep breath, a small whistling sound escaping his lips and with the tip of his fingers, gentle pushes towards the podium. “Go read. Don’t chicken out now, you will regret it later on.”&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Closing my eyes, I take a step into the crowd, letting my action be an answer to his encouragement. I feel eyes devouring me, many sets filled with hunger, suspicion, anticipation and other emotions I can’t decipher. As I take my place on the stage, my mind is a complete blank. I can’t remember a word of what I wrote this afternoon. As panic rises in my belly, I blurt out the following declaration---</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <i>&nbsp;I stand for marriage equality and yield my time to have you ponder this: twenty years from now, when this issue is settled, do you want to look back on this time to remember you were on the wrong side of history?</i></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;I step from the podium and with my head down, return to my place by the railing. The man is clapping for me, which draws many sets of eyes, as he makes the solitary sound in the room. I am saved by the moderator calling off the next name, his voice sounding like a computer.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;“You are brave, young lady.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;“I guess. Let’s talk about what you read instead of me drawing a blank and embarrassing myself in front of all these folk.”&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;“This is okay with me. What did you think?” he asks, his voice reaching into my guts and massaging my nerves.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Pausing for a moment, I think of my answer, not wanting to further embarrass myself. “I don’t know much about poetry, but I liked what you read, sir.”&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;He laughs at me and it lessens some of the tension building in my stomach. His eyes are kind and his voice is pleasant, I can’t understand why he is such an outcast. There is a thickness in his face and extra skin under his chin, but I like his thick brown hair and broad shoulders. I feel his eyes roaming my skin and I remember in that moment that I am dressed like a streetwalker, ready for clubs and dancing later in the night. My blue skirt covers little and I know he is devouring my chest with his eyes, looking down into my loose fitting white blouse.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;“Is it true what you read, that you have never been with a woman?” I ask. I still can’t believe it. It can’t be true. Can he be a virgin?</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;“Never,” he echoes.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;“How about you take me out for a drink?”&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Looking around the room and seeing nobody is listening, he tilts his head as if confused before saying, “With me?”&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;“No, with the blue haired girl. Of course you, sir.”&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;He laughs again, but it rings hollow this time and I can hear and feel his nerves. “What is the occasion?”&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;I let out a little sigh and I see his shoulders tense. He is bordering on panic and I touch his arm, gently. Shivering at my touch, he closes his eyes for a moment.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;“We don’t need an occasion, silly, but it just so happens that tonight is my birthday.”&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;“Where will we go?” he cuts in.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;I am beginning to see why the tally is never. Trying to resist rolling my eyes, I force a smile on my face and wait a few moments until the sarcasm is faded from what I will say. “We are less than two miles from Las Vegas Boulevard. I think we can find somewhere to get a drink.”&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;“Ah, ok.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;“Great, it’s a date then. Let’s go to Hard Rock,” I say, pulling him out of the café and through the double doors leading into the parking lot, stopping at Ray’s ’74 Firebird that I drove to the reading. He lets out a loud whistle of appreciation and stalks around the perimeter of the car, staring at each detail.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;“Is this yours?” he says.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;I think for a moment and shrugging my shoulders say, “It is now, I guess.”&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;He looks at me, questions in his light brown eyes, but I wave my hand for him to forget it.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;“What is at the Hard Rock?” he asks as he settles into the passenger’s seat, which groans and complains under his weight.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;“I have a room,” I answer, not meaning anything and for once, not flirting, but he pins his back against the seat and stares straight ahead as I turn onto Maryland Parkway. He is silent as I wait for the stoplight at Flamingo and I shake my head in wonder. Really? There is silence as I pull onto Paradise and drive the last stretch to the casino. I need a drink at this point and don’t know what to expect.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;“You are lucky, I hope you realize,” he says as I park the car. I study his eyes for a moment, trying to decide if he is joking or not.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;“How so, sir?”&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;“You are the most beautiful women I have ever seen in my life. You hit the lottery at birth. Perfect hair, flawless skin, eyes a pale baby blue that is tearing away at my insides as I look at you. Can you imagine what your life might be like if you had been born fat and ugly like me?”&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;He eyes fall away from me and I respond before I can stop the words from escaping my mouth, “Maybe if I hadn’t been so perfect looking my father might have refrained from sticking it in me so often.”&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;I jump from the car, tears in my eyes and wait for him at the entrance. I know I have said too much, but it simply came out. I didn’t plan to say that and you can’t un-say a thing once it enters the world. He avoids my eyes as we navigate the crowded halls of Friday night and I wonder for a moment what I am doing. I could be with Mary and Ray and Peter, but I am here…doing…I don’t know. Suddenly, he stops, a few feet from the gate to the center bar.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;“I don’t know if this is such a good idea.”&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;“It is just a drink, sir.”&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;“But…” he looks around for a moment again, that sinking feeling that he is about to have a panic attack rising in my belly. “I don’t do this. The social thing, drinking, women. You are far too beautiful for me.”&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;“Don’t worry about that. Spend time with me, don’t think,” I say, reaching out and taking his hand in mine. He jumps and laughs, squeaking out a nervous laugh that skips and repeats as he tries to pull away from me. I know I am making his anxiety worse and I release his hand, which serves to calm him a bit. I wait for him to gain control of his breathing before I speak again. “You are right though, it is getting late and I have plans for tonight, will you be able to get home okay?”</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Relief washes over his features and he smiles, which makes it all worth it. “I can find a taxi. It is Vegas, after all.”&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;“Ok, sir, but you owe me a hug,” I say, holding my arms open. He doesn’t fight or argue or hem and haw and instead throws his thick arms around my body, crushing me into his chest.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;“I can’t thank you enough.”&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;“No need,” I say, kissing him lightly on the cheek. After a few moments, he walks towards the lobby of the casino, swallowed in a sea of humanity.&nbsp;</span><br /><div><br /></div></div>Stephen Moranhttps://plus.google.com/103914135946512161373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7772663295892966925.post-22024559332373293502012-07-19T12:07:00.000-07:002012-07-19T12:13:16.388-07:00AT THE BOOKSTORE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">AT THE BOOKSTORE</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; I have struggled to write for the last month and a half. There are times I begin to wonder if I am a writer after all. One day you feel the inspiration and chatter of characters and then, it vanishes, like the spots you see on the highway on hot summer days. I can’t tell you the last time I finished a story. Coming to the bookstore was his idea, as a way of snapping out of this funk, breaking through the dastardly wall of writer’s block or whatever way you wish to describe the malaise I am suffering. He seems to think the mere presence of books is enough to push through the drought. Writing is not so simple.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The coffee I bought is almost cold and I don’t have a plot or a scene or a character in mind as of yet. Looking around the place, I see one middle aged gentleman typing like a madman on his laptop. That comprises the entirety of the company that shares this store with me at the moment. And that man hasn’t so much as glanced in my direction. Not that I blame him. I am wearing sweatpants and a plain tee shirt for the express reason of avoiding the attention of men. I am doing my best to limit distractions and excuses. But…I can’t help wondering…what is he writing?&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; I do think writers are natural born spies and as I move closer to where the man sits, I hope he doesn’t notice I am watching his every move. He sits erect, with his chin high. I wonder if he can see the keyboard properly. He is quite handsome for an older man, with flecks of gray in short brown hair and a strong, thick jawline. I like that he is wearing a baby blue button down shirt and grey slacks even in the middle of summer. I am a sucker for a well-dressed man and find myself wondering how much his black leather shoes cost.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; He leans backward and stretches his arms over his head, a hand rubbing at sore neck muscles. His turns toward me and his clear blue eyes bore into mine with a sudden intensity. I want to look away, but his pretty eyelashes and dark pupils transfix me and I rudely and openly stare at him. A small smile washes over his face as he shakes his head, sipping a cup of coffee as he returns my gaze and I desperately do not want to be the one that looks away first.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Hi,” I manage to say. I feel heat in my face and I have to fight the urge to run away from this man for he is reaching into my brain and touching me in places I thought locked to strangers. He does not respond and continues to probe me, not taking his eyes from mine to check me out, which is so very unusual for a man. They always look. But, he doesn’t. My stomach jumps and flips and I know I’m going to look away before he does.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Good afternoon,” he says. His voice is a low, pleasant bass that tickles my insides and makes me squirm in the chair.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Are you a writer?” I blurt out before I look away, not being able to take so much as a second more of him penetrating me. He laughs at my question, a slow rolling chuckle that comes from deep in his belly and rises up through his muscular chest.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I am.”&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Crossing his legs, he leans back in the chair and watches me, grinning and eyes sparkling as if he knows a secret about me. What did he pull from my brain with that damned laser stare of his? The heat continues to increase in my face and I know I am blushing. Images of him ravaging me appear in my mind against my will it seems and I do my best to push them back down into the abyss.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Don’t do that,” he whispers, leaning forward in my direction.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Do what?” I ask. How can he know my thoughts? Another image of him dragging me from the café floats across the screen of my brain and I shake my head to erase the picture.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Don’t fight your brain. Let it take you where it wants to go. Get out of the way of your inner writer. Free your mind.”&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; I see him pouncing on me and ripping my shirt away from my chest in a violent manner. “Should I write these thoughts or wait?”&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Why wait? Begin writing the moment a thought forms into words.”&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; He could have me right now if he wants. I bet he knows that or feels it. The only question is if he wants to take me. Of course I am wearing sweatpants and have my hair restrained in a pony-tail. I close my eyes and wait for him to decide. Harvest me, savage me, do anything you wish to my body…oh, what am I thinking? Where did these thoughts come from? I came here to write a story and I have been possessed by this man’s eyes. Possessed I say. I might let him take me over the table, right in front of the boy making the coffee. I cannot resist.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I open my eyes and see I am the only person in the café. The boy behind the counter is starting at me and without a word or gesture to him I gather my things and make a hurried exit from the store. I am ready to write again.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /></div>Stephen Moranhttps://plus.google.com/103914135946512161373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7772663295892966925.post-49276216699848421942012-07-17T16:31:00.000-07:002012-07-17T16:31:00.618-07:00MORNING TENDER<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">MORNING TENDER</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Ray woke earlier than usual, refreshed as from eight hours sleep, which in reality had been four. He rubbed at his eyes and turned, a fear rising inside his stomach. Still there! He saw the same blonde curls cascading over fluffy blue pillows, the same small hands gripping the comforter. Smiling, he brushed his fingers over her skin, silk velvet under his rough touch.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;With effort, he rose, slipped on his shoes and left the bedroom, the remnants of sleep fading, and the desires of a new day asserting their needs. He thought about breakfast and taking a shower, but instead he lit a cigarette as he walked outside into the morning sun, whose gentle heat began to erase the rain of the previous day. He smoked in silence, while still and quiet, nature seemed to sleep at that early hour, not a bird or car moving, leaving him to his thoughts, alone.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;He dragged his foot along the gravel in distraction. The world entire seemed to stop, his thoughts pounding insistent within his mind.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“What now?” he asked, to nobody at all, to the blue of the morning sky. The question dissolved into the morning shine, silence enveloping him. With a flick of a wrist, he threw his cigarette into the street and putting his hands into his pockets, went inside. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;He stood in the doorway, watching her sleep. She shifted onto her stomach, her fingers arranging blankets knowingly and looked up at him.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“Why did you get up?” she asked her voice thick with morning.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;He sat down on the bed, his fingers finder hers, caresses and words exchanged through touch.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“I needed some air.”&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“To smoke,” she said, smiling.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“Yes.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“As always. The same every day, nothing changes.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“Get off it,” he said, crawling back into bed. He tried to kiss her, but she pushed him away with her hand.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“Ray!”&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“What?”</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“You’re like a little boy, you never learn.” She sighed, but kept smiling. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; "Sorry mother.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“Please,” she said, turning away, pulling the comforter with her.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;He looked at her, her back bare and tender, and reached for her, pulling the blanket over her.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;She sighed again and turned her head to look at him.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“Go wash your mouth, you smell like an ashtray.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“No,” he said, in mocking defiance.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“Fine, then go back to sleep.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;He laid his head on the pillow without a response and to his surprise, sleep came once again.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<i>Black clouds rushed in from the west, shaped to cover the light, rain begins in torrents, scathing the roof tiles, threatening to wash it all away.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Her face in a cloud, frowning, next to wolves...</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“Did you really think?” a voice whispers, exploding inside his mind. He hears laughter, mad cap shrieking laughter all around him.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;‘No, no, no,” he whispers.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;He woke with a start and jumped to his feet, the bed empty beside him. He rushed into the living room: empty, empty and still, empty.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“No,” he muttered to himself, his teeth clenched together. Motionless and trapped in thought, he stared about the room.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<i>Did you really think</i> He heard again, this time it sounded like her voice, insistent and filled with accusations. He spun round, but the room remained empty, stubborn hateful empty. He sat with a thud upon the rug, his face in his hands, too scared to feel tears, trying to hear the voice. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;He thought of the day he lost her at the zoo. He ran round, tracing the paths walked, the animals seen, which growled at him, watched him, asking and begging strangers to remember her, but to nothing. He sat down at a cafe, exhausted and pulling at his hair. With tears in his eyes he saw her sitting at the bar, talking to a strange man, who wore a pair of jean shorts and a skin tight white tee-shirt. As he walked towards them, trying to calm himself, he heard the voice again.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“Ray.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;He looked up and saw her, in a blur, holding a white paper bag, a cup and a newspaper.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“Where did you go?” he managed to choke out in a scratched hiss.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“I got breakfast,” she said, placing the bag on the table. She walked to him, quick and light steps and came to a stop, kneeling next to him.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“What did you get?” He pressed his face into her shoulder.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“Your favorite,” she said, holding him tight.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“Cinnamon raisin?”&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“I got a cinnamon raisin bagel, toasted, with extra cream cheese, a coffee and your morning paper,” she said, stroking his hair. He clung to her, his hands linked behind her.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“What is it?” she asked.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;He remained silent, pulling her closer.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“Ray.” Her voice sweet and soft in his ear, her breathe against his next warm and tender, her fingers massaging his temples.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“Don’t leave,” he said.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“Ray, what is it?” she asked, kissing his forehead.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“Just don’t leave me, Rose,” he whispered.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;She rocked him slow in her arms, humming low and sweet.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“I won’t,” she said, looking into his eyes. “Tonight makes two years, Ray.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“I know,” he answered. “I know.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;He kissed her as the sunlight broke through the blinds, bathing the room in yellow warmth.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /></div>Stephen Moranhttps://plus.google.com/103914135946512161373noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7772663295892966925.post-68782774098891653172012-03-23T13:49:00.000-07:002012-03-25T20:01:20.335-07:00IN SEARCH OF WIFE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">IN SEARCH OF WIFE<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The time indeed comes in life to select a mate. I might have used the word wife instead, but I did not, so I’ll leave it as it is written. Fortunes are won and squandered, battles fought and lost, but after the savagery ends we need someone to bury the body. I mean, we need loved ones to mourn our passing. I apologize if my thoughts are clouded, for I have not fed in weeks. I mean hours. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If someone asked me to list the qualities I deem essential in a mate, could I tell you in any sensible way? Is a mate necessary for existence? The answer is no. I can’t eat my mate more than once. How shall I survive? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A mate is intended to help us forget and tolerate the processed nature of the rest of our existence. Hopefully you enjoy scrabble. Or chess. Or twister. If not, I do believe we might be at an impasse. What shall we do with our time if we don’t agree on board game selections? Perhaps we can hold hands and watch the Olympics. Country first in my household. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As I ponder this momentous day, let me be clear and transparent with what I expect out of this bargain. Or pact. Whatever you will. You know me already, so we shall not waste time with all that boring nonsense. The important point is I can afford to make you love me, so if that is sufficient, please continue on with the story. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I do accept that the world moves on and changes as pertains to fashion, behaviors and the very aspects of procuring sustenance. However, things will be very much a throwback to the past in my home. Your home I might say. If you are still with me. If you are, I shall continue. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I expect every evening to contain culture. There will be a slice of Mozart, a side of the bard served with seared pork loin in a balsamic reduction. Grand Mariner on home-made vanilla bean ice cream, teaching you to play violin as I read you this:<o:p></o:p></span></div><h3 align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></h3><h3 align="center" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">SONNET 21<o:p></o:p></span></h3><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So is it not with me as with that Muse<br />Stirr'd by a painted beauty to his verse,<br />Who heaven itself for ornament doth use<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><br />And every fair with his fair doth rehearse<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><br />Making a couplement of proud compare,<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><br />With sun and moon, with earth and sea's rich gems,<br />With April's first-born flowers, and all things rare<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><br />That heaven's air in this huge rondure hems.<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><br />O' let me, true in love, but truly write,<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><br />And then believe me, my love is as fair<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><br />As any mother's child, though not so bright<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><br />As those gold candles fix'd in heaven's air:<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Let them say more than like of hearsay well;<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I will not praise that purpose not to sell.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There is a sonnet for you, my future love. Be a muse or simply be. As you like it, my love. (and does it matter that I play the fool and moan my love in a poor attempt to woo you with art)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ask me why I don’t read you my own poetry and I shall smile. And continue to smile as I say, “My love, I am no William Shakespeare.” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I will tell you my passion is Kafka distilled with Kurt Cobain. However, do not attempt to listen to the one while reading the other. It will leave you with a sudden urge to throw yourself from the nearest bridge. Understand? Though I demand culture, I am aware you must be careful not to sit madmen in the same row. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I shall now tell you the terms I seek in this agreement. The woman shall agree to the following conditions:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">1)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There will be no watching of MTV in my (our) home. No knocked up teen or white trash shore is going to pollute the minds of my family. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">2)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The dowry must include a milk producing goat. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">3)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Offspring naming rights shall be determined by coin-flip to avoid arguments. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Leaving further details only to those that make serious enquiries, I shall continue. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ending my terminal bachelorhood is not to be taken lightly. I know it shall have repercussions in all aspects of my life, but it cannot be put off any longer. I mean, how can my life have <i>meaning </i>if I do not breed? I see now that sex is meant to procreate and I simply have been doing it all wrong up until this moment. I sincerely apologize for my wayward ways and I pledge to end this travesty in a short an order as possible. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The alternative is silly talk and useless faith in the existence of dragons. There is no magic. Just credit scores and your online presence and our global footprint glued together by the world wide web and some chewing gum. You don’t fight the tide or city hall, God always gets that pound of flesh. So, I shall kneel humbly and ask the world to produce a wife. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">All interested applicants shall be sure to ready a checklist so as to ensure suitability for this contest. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Have you read at least ten plays by Shakespreare?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Have you read the complete works of F. Scott Fitzgerald?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What do you think are the five greatest novels of all time? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Compare and contrast Poe and Kafka. Feel free to go crazy during this exercise. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Which Russian is the greatest novelist ever, Tolstoy or Dostoevsky? Give at least two examples of the greatest of each writer. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I say that is enough for the moment. I am sure I have begun the path of this new journey in as transparent a way as possible. The basis of all is this: I mean to acquire a mate by the time the hour strikes Midnight to signal the arrival of my 40<sup>th</sup> birthday. The clock is ticking and I am sure there will be many applications for the position. Women that love to read and are schooled in music, art, history, philosophy and politics are very easy to find and I shall not have the <i>least bit</i> of trouble finding an adequate mate. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">With any luck, when next we meet, I will have <s>purchased or fed on</s>&nbsp; found my mate. Enjoy your day even if you have other plans.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div></div>Stephen Moranhttps://plus.google.com/103914135946512161373noreply@blogger.com0